What impression does your website make?

With Google right at your fingertips, you can access information in seconds. Need information about a particular business? Easy. Just pop in the business’ name or a related keyword phrase. Click on a website and within seconds, you’re forming your first impression.

When you think about your own business, what first impression is your website making? It’s a great idea to take a step back and look at your existing site to see if there’s room for improvement. After all, first impressions matter.

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

My website accurately reflects my business. Make sure your website includes all that you offer. Don’t leave it up to your customers to assume anything. Help your customers out by having everything you want them to know (concisely) spelled out.

My website is well designed and has a clear aesthetic. Does your site design accurately reflect your products or services? For example, if you’re selling expensive products, your site should appear upscale. If you’re a restaurant, professional food photography will help get customers through your door.

My customers can find what they’re looking for quickly. Is your site easy to navigate? Attention spans are short, and time is limited. Customers will seldom dig for information when it’s easily accessible elsewhere.

The copy matches my brand voice. Is your brand light-hearted, but your copy reads like an 11th grade term paper? Think of your website as an extension of your team––what brand of voice does your team convey to your customers? That should be reflected on your website.

My website is modern. The rules of modern web design are changing quicker than you think. Customers will notice if your website looks like it was designed shortly after the age of dial-up. A modern website lets your customers know you’re keeping up with the changing times.

My website can compete with my competitors. Take a look at some of your competitors’ websites. Chances are, your potential customers are too.

Web trends are constantly evolving, so it’s a good idea to take a step back and analyze your web presence often.